National guard as a path after high school?

Hey y'all, I'm a junior thinking about different paths after high school, and one that's caught my interest is joining the National Guard. Can anyone share their experiences or knowledge about this? What's the enlistment process like, and what opportunities might it open up in the future? Thanks in advance!

Joining the National Guard can be an excellent option for several reasons. Not only can it provide direct career opportunities within the military, but it can also provide benefits for future education and job prospects.

When you enlist in the National Guard, the first step is typically meeting with a recruiter, who can help provide information about the specific requirements, benefits, and responsibilities you will have. Recruiters can answer a lot of your detailed questions, but be sure to do your own research as well, as their primary role is to enlist personnel.

Then, you'll need to pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) which is a test that determines if you are qualified to enlist in the U.S. military and assigns you to an appropriate job within the Guard. The better you perform on this test, the broader your job options will be.

After you've committed, you will attend Basic Combat Training (BCT), which typically lasts about ten weeks. This is followed by Advanced Individual Training where you'll learn the skills necessary for your specialty.

As far as future opportunities, service in the National Guard can be beneficial in a myriad of ways. As part of your service, you may have access to tuition assistance or other programs that can help you afford higher education. This could potentially pave the way for a broad array of career prospects.

Additionally, the leadership and discipline skills honed in the military can serve you well in many professions, whether they're public sector jobs or private sector roles. The National Guard also provides vocational training in a large variety of fields – from medical to engineering to law enforcement, and more.

However, it's important to remember that committing to the National Guard does involve signing a contract for a certain number of years of service. You'll have a commitment one weekend a month and two weeks a year for drilling and training after your initial training. In times of national emergencies, you can be called to active duty.

Overall, joining the National Guard can open many doors and provide you with valuable experiences and skills that can serve you well in the future. It's a decision that requires serious consideration and understanding of the commitment.